Essential Nutrients Overview

Nutrients passing from the intestinal walls into the bloodstream.

The liver processes nutrients, adjusting their forms for use and storage; regulates blood sugar.

Digestion provides nutrients; metabolism uses them for energy; hormones balance process.

Physical breakdown of food without changing its chemical structure.

Chewing food into smaller pieces in the mouth.

Stomach muscles break down food into a liquid, mixing it with digestive fluids.

Wave-like muscle contractions moving food through the digestive tract.

Breaking down food using chemicals like enzymes for absorption.

An enzyme that breaks down starches into simpler sugars.

A protein-digesting enzyme produced in the stomach.

A protein-digesting enzyme produced in the pancreas; continues protein breakdown in the small intestine.

An enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

The continuous tube from mouth to anus, through which food travels.

The starting point of digestion where both mechanical and chemical digestion begin.

Found in whole grains, veggies, and legumes and provide sustained energy due to slower digestion.

The process of building up larger molecules from smaller ones, supporting growth and energy storage.

The breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy for cellular activities.

All chemical reactions in the body for converting food to energy, divided into anabolism and catabolism.

Plays a role in metabolism by breaking down food into useable nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats).

Mechanical (chewing) and chemical (saliva enzymes) breakdown of food begins in the mouth.

Food is mixed with gastric juices (acids & enzymes), mechanically and chemically breaking it down.

The muscular tube that moves food from the pharynx to the stomach.

Mixes food with gastric juices (like acid) to form chyme.

Major site of digestion and nutrient absorption.

Absorbs water and compacts waste into feces.

Support digestion, but aren't part of the alimentary canal.

Break down food.

Nutrients taken into bloodstream.

Conditions involving problematic alcohol use, including dependence and abuse.

Genetic predisposition and neurochemical changes in the brain increasing susceptibility to AUDs.

Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression impacting alcohol use, and self-medication

Childhood exposure to alcohol, peer pressure, and social norms contributing to drinking behaviors.

Immediate consequences of alcohol consumption like memory loss, impaired judgment, and hangovers.

Serious health concerns resulting from prolonged alcohol use, such as liver disease and certain cancers.

Strained relationships, legal issues, and financial burdens resulting from alcohol abuse.

Methods to reduce the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorders, focus on early intervention and education.

High cortisol levels can lead to anxiety, depression, and mood swings because of their effects on how the brain uses chemicals.

Long-term high cortisol can make your body resistant to insulin, causing you to store more fat, especially around your organs. This can lead to conditions like diabetes.

After a workout, cortisol levels should return to normal within a few hours. But if you push yourself too hard without rest, your cortisol stays high.

Your heart and blood vessels work together to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your entire body.

Exercise makes your heart beat faster to meet the increased oxygen demands of your muscles. This strengthens your heart's output.

Regular exercise makes your heart more efficient, leading to a lower resting heart rate and stronger heart muscle. This reduces your risk of heart problems.

Exercise temporarily increases your blood pressure, but regular training lowers it in the long run.

Your muscles get better at using oxygen from your blood with regular exercise, making your heart work less.